Hot Rods Let's talk Cadillac 331's, 365 and 390's

Just wondering if anyone has converted to a more modern valve spring, eliminating the clunky valve spring retainer/oil seal? I am thinking I will cut the guides for a umbrella styled seal. Anyone see any issues? My cam is just a mild cam, under .500" lift.

 

I THINK in the Hagerty engine builds videos series he did something to use modern seals on the caddy they rebuilt in this video series. BUT you will have to go through several of the videos to get to the head work ( I forget which video it's in ). But they are interesting videos.

https://bangshift.com/bangshift1320...ight-build-get-swapped-ford-a-1957-caddy-365/

 

Thanks for the link. I will have to check it out.

 

I forgot click on WATCH ON YOUTUBE it gives the other videos in the series on the right side of the video.

 

Just an update:

I spoke with a guy named Gary at Rocker Arms Unlimited. Very knowledgeable guy. He's been doing this a long time.

After a long discussion, he told me that he would take my original rocker shaft assemblies and re-chrome the shafts, new bushings, spot face and convert to adjustable for $475. He said it works pretty slick and you don't have to dimple the valve covers.

He also mentioned that there are 2 different shafts somewhere around 1962. He said they would need to see the assembly to determine which one I have.

If you are interested talk to Gary at 530-242-1316.

 

Yes.

Factory spring retainers with the oil covers removed.



OEM style replacement valve springs with dampers. Dampers wouldn’t fit with stock spring retainers.



SBC/SBF modern guide seals fit straight over the original valve guides (.500/.530?).
Watch for valve lift hitting the seals.
Had to have .250 machined from the guide height for a very mild Schneider Cam.

 

Thanks! Pics always help the simple minded.

 

Will a 1957 dual quad setup fit on the taller deck 390?

 

There was no taller deck 390. Misinformation gets repeated.
ALL Cadillac V-8 intake manifolds '49- 331 through '62 390 will physically bolt on to any 1949-1962 block as all these years had the SAME deck height.
The 1963 390 has a LOWER deck height and a much NARROWER intake, and the '62 back intake manifolds will not fit, although the cylinder heads remained interchangeable.
So yes a '57 dual quad setup fit will any 331-365-390 up through the '62 model year.
It will not fit a 1963 390 or any of the latter Cadillac engines having front mounted distributors.

 

However. Because the 1963 Cadillac 390 used the same cylinder heads as the earlier 390s, the LOG type 2 piece intakes (4x2, 6x2) should fit a '63 390, just requiring shorter rubber balance tubes that will allow them to fit into the narrower V.

 

Good info JessieJ

 

You are correct.
That was in a reputable magazine , also. So, people take it as gospel.

 

Good thread fellas. Lots of good info.
I just got my 55' 331 all together and sprayed it last week. Going to run it in my 36 truck.

 

That's awesome. Make sure to take a lot of pics. I have a 390 for my 36 p/u. Just not sure if I will pull the trigger and use it in the truck or something with no hood.

 

Put some goodies on my 331...

 

Put a little paint on the 331...im going to make a nice rolling cart and stick it in the corner of the living room.

 

Nice !

 

Guys that run valley covers with no PCV or road draft tube ports what do they do for crankcase breathing?

 

You'd have to put breathers in the valve covers at the very least unless you want to push oil out of all of the gaskets.

 

I am getting close to having adapters available to put a small block Chevy intake on the early Cadillac. I started out doing a SBC to Studebaker and it was not too different to do the same with the Cadillac. The first one in aluminum is due from the machine shop in the next couple of weeks. The prototypes in the photos are 3D printed in plastic. Some of the manifold needs to be trimmed. Your intake possibilities are pretty much endless with a set of these adapters. I have another thread on here somewhere with more of the development process. I just bought a 671 blower and a SBC intake so the next post should have a blower on the Caddy.

JK

 

So you’d have to cut the coolant side of the manifold off? Cool adapter, makes a lot more possibilities available

 

Elky, Awesome stuff!

 

Here is my ‘58 365 in my 52 caddy coupe. Just looking pretty but stil stock inside. I did replace the o ring type valve seals. Runs nice but still smokes a little from stuck oil ring. Motor sat for 25 years… i hope that solves just from driving more often.
It’s got a edelbrock carb so need to figure the tv rod adjustment out… if anyone could help me out, please do so ;-)

 

Start with this. Do you have one of these?
https://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/8026/10002/-1

I am assuming you are talking about the TV cable for a 700r4 tranny?

 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/345577600467166/


Was just sent this by a buddy and I'm trying to sit on my hands so I can stay married....

 

Watch your air cleaners the small chrome can't flow enough air at top end . Changed out mine to GTO air cleaners , they get the job done !

 

Anyone have a drawing of a Caddy timing cover or the front of the block? I am considering making an aluminum one and depending on the cost I may do a short run.

JK

 

No I’m talking about the tv rod for the stock ‘58 hydramatic…

 

You should be posting this in the 'For Sale' forum, not here

 

Anyone have pictures of aftermarket finned valley covers with PCV valves or road draft tubes in them?